Organic light emitting display panel

ABSTRACT

An OLED panel may include a substrate including a first region and a second region disposed along a first direction. A plurality of first pixels are disposed in the first region on the substrate, the first pixels each having a first area, the first pixels each comprising a first unit pixel, a second unit pixel disposed along a second direction from the first unit pixel, and a transmission portion disposed along the first direction from the first unit pixel and the second unit pixel. A plurality of second pixels are disposed in the second region on the substrate, the second pixels each having a second area less than the first area, the second pixels each comprising a third unit pixel. The first unit pixel, the second unit pixel, and the third unit pixel may have substantially the same shape as each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/719,380 filed on Dec. 18, 2019, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/504,138filed on Jul. 5, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,529,269), which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/640,877filed on Jul. 3, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,347,165), which claimspriority under 35 USC § 119 to Korean Patent Application No.10-2016-0084179, filed on Jul. 4, 2016 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office (KIPO), the entire disclosures of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Exemplary embodiments relate to display panels. More particularly,exemplary embodiments relate to organic light emitting display (OLED)panels having a plurality of resolutions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, interests in a transparent display device including atransparent display panel have been increasing. Generally, thetransparent display panel may include a plurality of pixels, each of thepixels may include a light emitting portion and a light transmittanceportion.

An increase of the resolution of the display device may be required forthe implementation of the display device with high quality image. Toincrease the resolution of the display device while maintaining the samescreen size, the area of the pixel may decrease.

There is a tradeoff between a resolution and a light transmittance ofthe transparent display device. Therefore, it is hard to implement ahigh resolution and a high light transmittance simultaneously.

SUMMARY

A feature of the inventive concept is to provide an organic lightemitting display (OLED) panel having a high light transmittance as wellas a high resolution.

Another feature of the inventive concept is to provide an OLED panel inwhich manufacturing cost and time of an organic light emitting layer arereduced.

An OLED panel according to exemplary embodiments may include a substratecomprising a first region and a second region disposed along a firstdirection. A plurality of first pixels are disposed in the first regionon the substrate, the plurality of first pixels each having a firstarea, the plurality of first pixels each comprising a first unit pixel,a second unit pixel disposed along a second direction perpendicular tothe first direction from the first unit pixel, and a transmissionportion disposed along the first direction from the first unit pixel andthe second unit pixel. A plurality of second pixels are disposed in thesecond region on the substrate, the plurality of second pixels eachhaving a second area less than the first area, the plurality of secondpixels each comprising a third unit pixel. The first unit pixel, thesecond unit pixel, and the third unit pixel may have substantially thesame shape as each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first unit pixel and the second unitpixel may share a pixel circuit.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first unit pixel, the secondunit pixel, and the third unit pixel may include a first sub-pixel, asecond sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-pixel and the third sub-pixelmay be disposed along the first direction from the first sub-pixel, andmay be arranged along the second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel,and the third sub-pixel may be a blue sub-pixel, a red sub-pixel, and agreen sub-pixel, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first area may be four times greaterthan the second area.

In an exemplary embodiment, an area of the transmission portion may besubstantially equal to a sum of an area of the first unit pixel and anarea of the second unit pixel.

In another exemplary embodiment, an area of the transmission portion maybe greater than a sum of an area of the first unit pixel and an area ofthe second unit pixel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the OLED panel may further include a firstsignal line extending along the first direction, the first signal linebeing connected to second pixels in 2N−1 pixel columns among theplurality of second pixels and configured to transmit a first drivingsignal; and a second signal line extending along the first direction,the second signal line being connected to second pixels in 2N pixelcolumns among the plurality of second pixels and configured to transmita second driving signal, where N is an integer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first signal line may be connected tothe plurality of first pixels. The plurality of first pixels may beconfigured to be driven based on the first driving signal.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first signal line and the secondsignal line may be connected to the plurality of first pixels. Theplurality of first pixels may be configured to be driven based on thefirst driving signal and the second driving signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, a shielding member may be disposed in afirst peripheral region surrounding the first unit pixel, the secondunit pixel, and the transmission portion and in a second peripheralregion surrounding the third unit pixel.

In an exemplary embodiment, a polarizing member may be disposed in thesecond region.

An OLED device according to some exemplary embodiments may include asubstrate comprising a first region and a second region disposed along afirst direction. A plurality of first pixels are disposed in the firstregion on the substrate, the plurality of first pixels each having afirst area, the plurality of first pixels each comprising a first unitpixel, a second unit pixel disposed along a second directionperpendicular to the first direction from the first unit pixel, and atransmission portion disposed along the first direction from the firstunit pixel and the second unit pixel. A plurality of second pixels aredisposed in the second region on the substrate, the plurality of secondpixels each having a second area less than the first area, the pluralityof second pixels each comprising a third unit pixel. A pixel electrodeis disposed in each of the first unit pixel, the second unit pixel, andthe third unit pixel. A common electrode faces the pixel electrode. Anorganic light emitting layer is disposed between the pixel electrode andthe common electrode, the organic light emitting layer disposedcorresponding to each of the first unit pixel, the second unit pixel,the third unit pixel, and the transmission portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first unit pixel, the secondunit pixel, and the third unit pixel may include a first sub-pixel, asecond sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel. The pixel electrode may bedisposed corresponding to each of the first sub-pixel, the secondsub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel. The organic light emitting layer maybe disposed corresponding to each of the first sub-pixel, the secondsub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-pixel and the third sub-pixelmay be disposed along the first direction from the first sub-pixel, andmay be arranged along the second direction. The organic light emittinglayer disposed corresponding to each of the first sub-pixel of the firstunit pixel and the first sub-pixel of the second unit pixel may beintegrally formed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel electrode disposed correspondingto each of the first sub-pixel of the first unit pixel and the firstsub-pixel of the second unit pixel may be integrally formed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer disposedcorresponding to each of the first unit pixel, the second unit pixel,the third unit pixel, and the transmission portion may havesubstantially the same shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer disposedcorresponding to each of the first unit pixel, the second unit pixel,the third unit pixel, and the transmission portion may be formed byusing substantially the same mask.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer may beconfigured to transmit light.

The OLED panel according to exemplary embodiments may include theplurality of first pixels disposed in a low resolution region, each ofthe first pixels including the first unit pixel, the second unit pixel,and the transmission portion and the plurality of second pixels disposedin a high resolution region, each of the second pixels including thethird unit pixel. The OLED panel may function as a transparent displaypanel in the low resolution region, and may function as an opaquedisplay panel in the high resolution region. Further, the OLED panelaccording to exemplary embodiments may include the organic lightemitting layer having substantially the same shape in the low resolutionregion and the high resolution region, so that substantially the samemask may be used to form the organic light emitting layer, andmanufacturing cost and time of the OLED panel may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative, non-limiting example embodiments will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an OLED panel according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an area X in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a mask used to form an organic lightemitting layer in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cut along aline Y-Y′ in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another example of an area X in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area X inFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cut along aline V-V′ in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views illustrating methods of driving firstpixels and second pixels according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cut along aline Z-Z′ in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cut along aline W-W′ in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a display device including anOLED panel according to exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an organic light emitting display (OLED) panel inaccordance with exemplary embodiments will be explained in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an OLED panel 1 according toexemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the OLED panel 1 may include a substrate 10, aplurality of first pixels 20, and a plurality of second pixels 30. Thefirst pixels 20 and the second pixels 30 may be disposed on thesubstrate 10.

The OLED panel 1 may be divided into a first region I and a secondregion II. For example, the first region I may be a low resolutionregion, and the second region II may be a high resolution region. Thelow resolution region and the high resolution region may bedifferentiated by a size of a pixel disposed in each of the lowresolution region and the high resolution region. In an exemplaryembodiment, the low resolution region may display less importantinformation, and the high resolution region may display relatively moreimportant information such as an important text and a detailed image.Further, the first region I may be a transparent region in which a usermay observe an object disposed on an opposite side through transmittedexternal light, and the second region II may be an opaque region inwhich the external light may be blocked. Here, the first region I andthe second region II may be disposed along a first direction. In otherwords, the first region I and the second region II may be adjacent alongthe first direction, and may extend along a second direction which issubstantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The first pixels 20 may be disposed in the first region I. Each of thefirst pixels 20 may have a first area. The second pixels 30 may bedisposed in the second region II. Each of the second pixels 30 may havea second area which is less than the first area. In an exemplaryembodiment, the first area may be substantially four times greater thanthe second area. For example, an area of one first pixel 20 may besubstantially the same as areas of four second pixels 30 as illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an area X in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first pixel 20 may include a first unit pixel211, a second unit pixel 212, and a transmission portion 220. The secondpixel 30 may include a third unit pixel 310.

Each of the first unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel 212 may emitlight which may compose an image displayed from the first region I. Thethird unit pixel 310 may emit light which may compose an image displayedfrom the second region II. The transmission portion 220 may transmitexternal light so that a user may observe an object disposed on anopposite side in the first region I. A first peripheral region 230 whichsurrounds the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and thetransmission portion 220 may be defined in the first region I. A secondperipheral region 330 which surrounds the third unit pixel 310 may bedefined in the second region II.

The second unit pixel 212 may be disposed in the second direction fromthe first unit pixel 211. The transmission portion 220 may be disposedin the first direction from the first unit pixel 211 and the second unitpixel 212.

The first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unitpixel 310 may have substantially the same shape with each other.Therefore, the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and thethird unit pixel 310 may have substantially the same area with eachother. FIG. 2 illustrates that each of the first unit pixel 211, thesecond unit pixel 212, and the third unit pixel 310 has a rectangularshape. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Each of thefirst unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unitpixel 310 may have polygonal shapes other than the rectangular shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, an area of the transmission region 220 maybe substantially the same as a sum of an area of the first unit pixel211 and an area of the second unit pixel 212. For example, a shape ofthe transmission portion 220 may correspond to a shape which is acombination of the first unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel 212adjacent to each other in the second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first unit pixel 211, the secondunit pixel 212, and the third unit pixel 310 may have a first sub-pixel400B, a second sub-pixel 400R, and a third sub-pixel 400G. The firstsub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel 400R, and the third sub-pixel 400Gmay emit lights having different colors from each other, and the lightsmay be combined to display one color. For example, the first sub-pixel400B, the second sub-pixel 400R, and the third sub-pixel 400G maycorrespond to a blue sub-pixel, a red sub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel,respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-pixel 400R and the thirdsub-pixel 400G may be disposed in the first direction from the firstsub-pixel 400B, and the second sub-pixel 400R and the third sub-pixel400G may be adjacent to each other along the second direction. Each ofthe first sub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel 400R, and the thirdsub-pixel 400G may be defined by a pixel electrode 140 in FIG. 4. Inother words, each of the sub-pixels 400B, 400R, and 400G may be definedby the pixel electrode 140 disposed on the substrate 10. The pixelelectrode 140 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first unit pixel 211 and the second unitpixel 212 may display substantially the same color with each other. Inan embodiment, the first unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel 212may be electrically connected to each other. In another embodiment, thefirst unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel 212 may share a pixelcircuit. For example, the first sub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel400R, and the third sub-pixel 400G included in the first unit pixel 211may emit lights having luminances substantially the same as those of thefirst sub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel 400R, and the third sub-pixel400G included in the second unit pixel 212, respectively. Therefore, alight emitting area of the first pixel 20 may be two times greater thana light emitting area of the second pixel 30.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a mask used to form an organic lightemitting layer 150 in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the organic light emitting layer 150,represented by the shaded portions in FIG. 2, may be formed in regionscorresponding to the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212,the third unit pixel 310, and the transmission portion 220. The organiclight emitting layer 150 may be formed on the pixel electrode 140. Forexample, the organic light emitting layer 150 may be formedcorresponding to the first sub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel 400R,and the third sub-pixel 400G included in each of the first unit pixel211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unit pixel 310. Thus, animage may be displayed by light emitted from the organic light emittinglayer 150. Further, the organic light emitting layer 150 may be formedin the transmission portion 220. Here, a shape of the organic lightemitting layer 150 formed in the transmission portion 220 may besubstantially the same as a shape of the organic light emitting layer150 formed in each of the first unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel212.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 150 formedin the first sub-pixel 400B of the first unit pixel 211 and the firstsub-pixel 400B of the second unit pixel 212 may be integrally formed.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the organic light emitting layer150 may extend along the second direction, and may be formed integrallyfor the first sub-pixel 400B of the first unit pixel 211 and the firstsub-pixel 400B of the second unit pixel 212.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 150 formedin the first and second unit pixels 211 and 212, the organic lightemitting layer 150 formed in the transmission portion 220, and theorganic light emitting layer 150 formed in the third unit pixel 310,which are adjacent to each other in the second direction, may havesubstantially the same shape with each other.

The organic light emitting layer 150 may be formed by using a mask 700.For example, the mask 700 may be fine metal mask (FMM). The mask 700 mayinclude a opening portion 740. The opening portion 740 may include afirst opening portion 740B, a second opening portion 740R, and a thirdopening portion 740G. For example, a blue organic light emittingmaterial may be injected through the first opening portion 740B, a redorganic light emitting material may be injected through the secondopening portion 740R, and a green organic light emitting material may beinjected through the third opening portion 740G.

In an exemplary embodiment, one mask 700 may be used to form the organiclight emitting layer 150 in the first region I and the second region II.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the organic light emitting layer 150 may beformed in one first pixel 20 in the first region I, or the organic lightemitting layer 150 may be formed in four second pixels 30 in the secondregion II when using four opening portions 740 of the mask 700. Here,the organic light emitting layer 150 may be formed in the transmissionportion 220 as well as in the first unit pixel 211 and the second unitpixel 212.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first openingportions 740B which are adjacent to each other in the second direction,may be integrally formed. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, theorganic light emitting layer 150 which has a shape corresponding to ashape of the opening portion 740 may be formed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first region I may be a transparentregion, and more than a certain level of light transmittance and hazeagainst external light may be required in the transparent region. In acomparative example, an organic light emitting layer may not be formedin a transmission region, and external light may transmit through thetransmission region without passing through the organic light emittinglayer. Therefore, in the comparative example, more than a certain levelof light transmittance and haze against external light may beaccomplished. In the exemplary embodiment, light transmittance and hazemay not be reduced dramatically as illustrated in Table 1 although theorganic light emitting layer 150 is formed in the transmission portion220. Therefore, proper level of light transmittance and haze againstexternal light may be accomplished, and the first region I may functionas a transparent region.

TABLE 1 relative light transmittance relative haze comparative example 100%  100% exemplary embodiment 99.6% 95.8%

Although the first pixel 20 and the second pixel 30 disposed in thefirst region I and the second region II, respectively, have differentareas than each other, and the first pixel 20 includes the transmissionportion 220, one mask 700 may be used to form the organic light emittinglayer 150. Therefore, manufacturing cost and time of the OLED panel 1may be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cut along aline Y-Y′ in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the OLED panel 1 may include the substrate 10, apixel circuit 110, an insulation structure 120, the pixel electrode 140,the organic light emitting layer 150, a common electrode 160, and anencapsulation substrate 170.

The substrate 10 may include a transparent insulation material such aspolyimide-based resin. In this case, the substrate 10 may notsubstantially reduce light transmittance of the OLED panel 1, and mayhave relatively high mechanical strength. In an exemplary embodiment,the substrate 10 may include a flexible substrate including glass,plastic, or the like and having flexible characteristic.

The pixel circuit 110 may be formed on the substrate 10. The pixelcircuit 110 may transmit a driving current to the pixel electrode 140based on a driving signal so as to emit light from the organic lightemitting layer 150. The pixel circuit 110 may include a transistor and acapacitor. For example, the pixel circuit 110 formed in the first regionI may be connected to the pixel electrode 140 corresponding to eachsub-pixel 400B, 400R, and 400G included in the first unit pixel 211 andthe pixel electrode 140 corresponding to each sub-pixel 400B, 400R, and400G included in the second unit pixel 212 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Inthis case, the pixel electrode 140 corresponding to each sub-pixel 400B,400R, and 400G included in the first unit pixel 211 and the pixelelectrode 140 corresponding to each sub-pixel 400B, 400R, and 400Gincluded in the second unit pixel 212 may receive substantially the samedriving current from the pixel circuit 110. In other words, eachsub-pixel 400B, 400R, and 400G included in the first unit pixel 211 andeach sub-pixel 400B, 400R, and 400G included in the second unit pixel212 may share the pixel circuit 110. Moreover, the pixel circuit 110formed in the second region II may be connected to the pixel electrode140 corresponding to each sub-pixel 400B, 400R, and 400G included in thethird unit pixel 310.

The insulation structure 120 may be formed on the substrate 10 to coverthe pixel circuit 110. For example, the insulation structure 120 may beformed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride,silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide,and/or titanium nitride, or an organic material such as polyimide,polyester, and/or acryl. For example, the insulation structure 120 mayinclude a plurality of insulation layers.

The pixel electrode 140 may be formed on the insulation structure 120.As described above, the pixel electrode 140 may be independently formedcorresponding to each of the first to third sub-pixels 400B, 400R, and400G.

A pixel defining layer 130 may be formed on the insulation structure120. The pixel defining layer 130 may cover an edge portion of the pixelelectrode 140. In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 130 may beformed in the transmission portion 220. In another embodiment, the pixeldefining layer 130 in the transmission portion 220 may be removed toimprove light transmittance in the transmission portion 220 asillustrated in FIG. 4.

The organic light emitting layer 150 may be formed on the pixelelectrode 140. The organic light emitting layer 150 may be formedcorresponding to each of the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel212, the third unit pixel 310, and the transmission portion 220. In anexemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 150 may be formedper each of the first to third sub-pixels 400B, 400R, and 400G. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer 150 maybe integrally formed in the first sub-pixels 400B adjacent to eachother.

As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the organic light emittinglayer 150 may be formed by using one mask. Therefore, the organic lightemitting layer 150 may be formed in the transmission portion 220.

The organic light emitting layer 150 may transmit light. For example,the organic light emitting layer 150 may transmit external lightincident onto the OLED panel 1. Therefore, a user may recognize anobject disposed at an opposite side with respect to the OLED panel 1through external light passing through the transmission portion 220although the organic light emitting layer 150 is formed in thetransmission portion 220.

The common electrode 160 may be formed on the organic light emittinglayer 150 and the pixel defining layer 130. The common electrode 160 mayface the pixel electrode 140 with respect to the organic light emittinglayer 150. For example, the common electrode 160 may be commonly formedin the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, the third unitpixel 310, and the transmission portion 220.

Although it is not illustrated in FIG. 4, a hole injection layer (HIL),a hole transport layer (HTL), etc. may be additionally formed betweenthe pixel electrode 140 and the organic light emitting layer 150, and anelectron transport layer (ETL), an electron injection layer (EIL), etc.may be additionally formed between the organic light emitting layer 150and the common electrode 160. For example, the HIL, the HTL, the ETL,and the EIL may be commonly formed in the first unit pixel 211, thesecond unit pixel 212, the third unit pixel 310, and the transmissionportion 220.

The encapsulation substrate 170 may be formed over the common electrode160 to face the substrate 10. The encapsulation substrate 170 mayinclude a transparent insulation material such as polyimide-based resin.In this case, the encapsulation substrate 170 may not substantiallyreduce light transmittance of the OLED panel 1, and may have relativelyhigh mechanical strength. In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulationsubstrate 170 may include a flexible substrate including glass, plastic,or the like and having flexible characteristic.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another example of an area X in FIG.1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, an OLED panel 1 may include a plurality offirst pixels 20 disposed in a first region I and a plurality of secondpixels 30 disposed in a second region II. Each of the first pixels 20may include a first unit pixel 211, a second unit pixel 212, and atransmission portion 220. Each of the second pixels 30 may include athird unit pixel 310.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIG. 2 except for the areas of the first unit pixel 211,the second unit pixel 212, the third unit pixel 310, and thetransmission portion 220. Therefore, detailed descriptions of therepeated elements and/or constructions are omitted, and like referencenumerals are used to designate like elements.

The first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unitpixel 310 may have substantially the same shape with each other, and mayhave substantially the same area with each other.

In another exemplary embodiment, the area of the transmission portion220 may be greater than the sum of an area of the first unit pixel 211and an area of the second unit pixel 212. Here, an area of the firstpixel 20 illustrated in FIG. 5 is substantially the same as the area ofthe first pixel 20 illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, the area of the firstunit pixel 211 and the area of the second unit pixel 212 may relativelydecrease, and the area of the transmission portion 220 may relativelyincrease. Therefore, the light transmittance in the first region I maybe improved. Further, an area of the third unit pixel 310 illustrated inFIG. 5 may decrease in comparison with the area of the third unit pixel310 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Comparing the OLED panel 1 according to another exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 with the OLED panel 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the areas of the first unit pixel 211,the second unit pixel 212, and the third unit pixel 310 may decrease.Therefore, light emitting areas in the first region I and the secondregion II may decrease, however, light transmittance in the first regionI may increase since the area of the transmission portion 220 increases.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area X inFIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel cutalong a line V-V′ in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, an OLED panel 1 may include a pluralityof first pixels 20 disposed in a first region I and a plurality ofsecond pixels 30 disposed in a second region II. Each of the firstpixels 20 may include a first unit pixel 211, a second unit pixel 212,and a transmission portion 220. Each of the second pixels 30 may includea third unit pixel 310.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIG. 2 except for the structures of the first sub-pixel400B of the first unit pixel 211 and the first sub-pixel 400B of thesecond unit pixel 212. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the repeatedelements and/or constructions are omitted, and like reference numeralsare used to designate like elements.

The first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unitpixel 310 may have substantially the same shape with each other, and mayhave substantially the same area with each other.

Each of the first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and thethird unit pixel 310 may have a first sub-pixel 400B, a second sub-pixel400R, and a third sub-pixel 400G. The first sub-pixel 400B, the secondsub-pixel 400R, and the third sub-pixel 400G may emit lights havingdifferent colors from each other, and the lights may be combined todisplay one color.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel electrode 140 disposedcorresponding to the first sub-pixel 400B of the first unit pixel 211and the pixel electrode 140 disposed corresponding to the firstsub-pixel 400B of the second unit pixel 212 may be integrally formed.For example, the pixel electrode 140 may extend along the seconddirection, and may be disposed commonly in the first sub-pixel 400B ofthe first unit pixel 211 and the first sub-pixel 400B of the second unitpixel 212 on the substrate 10. Further, the organic light emitting layer150 may be formed corresponding to the pixel electrode 140. Therefore,an aperture ratio of the first sub-pixel 400B included in the firstpixel 20 illustrated in FIG. 6 may increase in comparison with the firstpixel 20 illustrated in FIG. 2.

In an embodiment, the first sub-pixel 400B, the second sub-pixel 400R,and the third sub-pixel 400G may correspond to a blue sub-pixel, a redsub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel, respectively. Generally, lightefficiency of a blue organic light emitting material may be less thanthose of a red organic light emitting material or a green organic lightemitting material. Thus, the lifespan of the blue organic light emittingmaterial may be relatively short. When an aperture ratio of the firstsub-pixel 400B which emits blue light increases, the first sub-pixel400B may be driven with a relatively lower luminance, so that thelifespan of the first sub-pixel 400B may increase.

The shape and the area of the first sub-pixel 400B disposed in the firstregion I and the shape and the area of the first sub-pixel 400B disposedin the second region II may be different from each other. For example,the first sub-pixel 400B may extend along the second direction, andcommonly formed for the first unit pixel 211 and the second unit pixel212 in the first region I, However, the first sub-pixel 400B may beindependently formed per the third unit pixel 310 in the second regionII.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views illustrating methods of driving firstpixels 20 and second pixels 30 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, an OLED panel 1 may include theplurality of first pixels 20 disposed in a first region I and theplurality of second pixels 30 disposed in a second region II. Each ofthe first pixels 20 may include a first unit pixel 211, a second unitpixel 212, and a transmission portion 220. Each of the second pixels 30may include a third unit pixel 310.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIG. 6 except for the addition of first signal lines 41and second signal lines 42. Therefore, detailed descriptions of therepeated elements and/or constructions are omitted, and like referencenumerals are used to designate like elements.

The OLED panel 1 may further include the first signal lines 41 and thesecond signal lines 42 which extend along the first direction. The firstsignal lines 41 may be connected to the second pixels 30 in 2N−1 pixelcolumns among the plurality of second pixels 30 to transmit a firstdriving signal S1. The second signal lines 42 may be connected to secondpixels 30 in 2N pixel columns among the plurality of second pixels 30 totransmit a second driving signal S2. Here, N may be an integer. In otherwords, the first signal lines 41 may be connected to the second pixels30 in odd pixel columns, and the second signal lines 42 may be connectedto the second pixels 30 in even pixel columns.

Each of the second pixels 30 may be connected to the first signal line41 or the second signal line 42, and may driven based on the firstdriving signal S1 or the second driving signal S2. For example, each ofthe first signal line 41 and the second signal line 42 may correspond toa data line, and each of the first driving signal S1 and the seconddriving signal S2 may correspond to a data signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the firstpixels 20 may be connected to the first signal line 41, and may bedriven based on the first driving signal S1. Here, the first signallines 41 may transmit the first driving signal S1 to the second pixels30 in the (2N−1) pixel columns among the plurality of second pixels 30and to the first pixels 20. Further, the second signal lines 42 maytransmit the second driving signal S2 to the second pixels 30 in the(2N) pixel columns among the plurality of second pixels 30. Therefore,the first pixels 20 may be connected to the first signal line 41, andmay not be connected to the second signal line 42. Further, the firstpixels 20 may be driven based on only the first driving signal S1.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in another exemplary embodiment, each of thefirst pixels 20 may be connected to the first signal line 41 and thesecond signal line 42, and may be driven based on the first drivingsignal S1 and the second driving signal S2. Here, the first signal lines41 may transmit the first driving signal S1 to the second pixels 30 inthe 2N−1 pixel columns among the plurality of second pixels 30 and tothe first pixels 20. Further, the second signal lines 42 may transmitthe second driving signal S2 to the second pixels 30 in the 2N pixelcolumns among the plurality of second pixels 30 and to the first pixels20. Therefore, the first pixels 20 may be connected to the second signallines 42 as well as the first signal line 41. Further, the first pixels20 may be driven based on a combination of the first driving signal S1and the second driving signal S2.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel1 cut along a line Z-Z′ in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a first peripheral region 230 surroundingthe first unit pixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and thetransmission portion 220 may be defined in the first region I, and asecond peripheral region 330 surrounding the third unit pixel 310 may bedefined in the second region II.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 except for the addition of a lightshielding member 50 and a color filter 55. Therefore, detaileddescriptions of the repeated elements and/or constructions are omitted,and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light shielding member 50, a shadedportion in FIG. 10, may be formed over the common electrode 160 in thefirst peripheral region 230 and the second peripheral region 330. In anembodiment, the light shielding member 50 may be formed on one surfaceof the encapsulation substrate 170 which faces the substrate 10. Forexample, the light shielding member 50 may overlap the pixel defininglayer 130. The light shielding member 50 may block external lightincident onto the first region I and the second region II of the OLEDpanel 1.

The color filter 55 may be formed on the encapsulation substrate 170 tocorrespond to the pixel electrode 140 formed in each of the first unitpixel 211, the second unit pixel 212, and the third unit pixel 310. Forexample, the color filter 55 may correspond to each of the first tothird sub-pixels 400B, 400R, and 400G. Light emitted from the organiclight emitting layer 150 may travel to a front surface of the OLED panel1 through the color filter 55.

The light shielding member 50 may be disposed in the first peripheralregion 230 and the second peripheral region 330, so that contrast of animage displayed in the first region I and the second region II of theOLED panel 1 may be improved.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIG. 12 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 except for the structure of the lightshielding member 50. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the repeatedelements and/or constructions are omitted, and like reference numeralsare used to designate like elements.

Referring to FIG. 12, the light shielding member 50 may be formed overthe common electrode 160 in the second peripheral region 330. The lightshielding member 50 illustrated in FIG. 12 may not be formed in thefirst peripheral region 230, and may be formed only in the secondperipheral region 330 different from the light shielding member 50illustrated in FIG. 10. The light shielding member 50 may block externallight incident onto the second region II of the OLED panel 1. Therefore,contrast of an image displayed in the second region II of the OLED panel1 may be improved.

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating still another example of an area Xin FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an OLED panel1 cut along a line W-W′ in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the OLED panel 1 may include the firstregion I including the plurality of first pixels 20 and the secondregion II including a plurality of second pixels 30. For example, thefirst region I may be a low resolution region, and the second region IImay be a high resolution region. Further, the first region I may be atransparent region in which a user may observe an object disposed on anopposite side through transmitted external light, and the second regionII may be an opaque region in which the external light may be blocked.

The OLED panel 1 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 may have elements and/orconstructions substantially the same as or similar to the OLED panel 1illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 except for the addition of a polarizingmember 60. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the repeated elementsand/or constructions are omitted, and like reference numerals are usedto designate like elements. For convenience of the illustration, theillustration of the organic light emitting layer 150 may be omitted inFIG. 13.

In an exemplary embodiment, the polarizing member 60 may be formed overthe common electrode 160 in the second region II. In an embodiment, thepolarizing member 60 may be formed on a surface opposite to one surfaceof the encapsulation substrate 170 which faces the substrate 10. Forexample, the polarizing member 60 may overlap an entirety of the secondregion II. The polarizing member 60 may prevent the reflection ofexternal light at a front surface of the OLED panel 1.

In an embodiment, the polarizing member 60 may be formed in the secondregion II, and may not be formed in the first region I. The transmissionportion 220 disposed in the first region I may transmit external light.Therefore, if the polarizing member 60 was formed in the first region I,a user may not correctly recognize an object disposed on an oppositeside if external light incident onto a bottom surface of the OLED panel1 passes through the polarizing member 60 through the transmissionportion 220. Thus, the polarizing member 60 may not be formed in thefirst region I thereby preventing a reduction of light transmittance ofthe external light in the first region I.

The polarizing member 60 may be disposed in the second region II, sothat the reflection of the external light may decrease in the secondregion II of the OLED panel 1, and the visibility of the OLED panel 1may be improved.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a display device 1000including an OLED panel according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 15, the display device 1000 may include a third regionIII and a fourth region IV. The third region III may be a transparentregion through which external light may pass, and the fourth region IVmay be a opaque region through which external light may not pass. Thedisplay device 1000 may be a flexible display device which may be foldedor bended. For example, the display device 1000 may be folded or bendedat a boundary between the third region III and the fourth region IV.

The display device 1000 may include the OLED panel 1 described withreference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, etc. For example, the substrate 10 and theencapsulation substrate 170 of the OLED panel 1 may include a flexiblesubstrate. The third region III and the fourth region IV may correspondto the first region I and the second region II of the OLED panel 1,respectively.

When the display device 1000 is unfolded, a user may watch an objectdisposed on an opposite side as well as an image displayed from thedisplay device 1000 through the third region III, and may watch an imagewith a high resolution through the fourth region IV. Further, when thedisplay device 1000 is folded to overlap the third region III with thefourth region IV, a user may watch an image with a high resolutiondisplayed from the fourth region IV through the transparent third regionIII.

The OLED panel according to exemplary embodiments may be applied to adisplay device included in a computer, a notebook, a mobile phone, asmartphone, a smart pad, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, or the like.

Although the OLED panel according to the exemplary embodiments has beendescribed with reference to the drawings, the illustrated embodimentsare an example, and may be modified and changed by a person havingordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field without departingfrom the technical spirit of the inventive concept described in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An organic light emitting display (OLED) panel,comprising: a substrate including a first region and a second regiondisposed along a first direction; a plurality of first repeatingpatterns disposed in the first region and each including a firstsub-pixel emitting a first light and a second sub-pixel emitting asecond light different from the first light, each of the first andsecond sub-pixels including a pixel electrode and an organic lightemitting layer disposed on the pixel electrode, and each of the firstand second sub-pixels being defined by the pixel electrode thereof; atransmission portion disposed in the first region, the transmissionportion being defined as a region through which a light incident onto afirst surface of the OLED panel is transmitted to a second surface ofthe OLED panel opposite to the first surface; a plurality of secondrepeating patterns disposed in the second region and each including athird sub-pixel emitting the first light and a fourth sub-pixel emittingthe second light, each of the third and fourth sub-pixels including apixel electrode and an organic light emitting layer disposed on thepixel electrode, and each of the third and fourth sub-pixels beingdefined by the pixel electrode thereof; and a first layer disposed inthe first and second regions between the pixel electrode and the organiclight emitting layer of each of the first to fourth sub-pixels and inthe transmission portion; wherein a density of the first repeatingpatterns less than a density of the second repeating patterns.
 2. TheOLED panel of claim 1, wherein each of the first repeating patternsfurther includes a plurality of fifth sub-pixels each emitting a thirdlight different from the first light and the second light and eachincluding a pixel electrode and an organic light emitting layer disposedon the pixel electrode, and wherein each of the fifth sub-pixels isdefined by the pixel electrode thereof.
 3. The OLED panel of claim 2,wherein each of the second repeating patterns further includes aplurality of sixth sub-pixels each emitting the third light and eachincluding a pixel electrode and an organic light emitting layer disposedon the pixel electrode, and wherein each of the sixth sub-pixels isdefined by the pixel electrode thereof.
 4. The OLED panel of claim 2,wherein the organic light emitting layer of one fifth sub-pixel of theplurality of the fifth sub-pixels and the organic light emitting layerof another one fifth sub-pixel of the plurality of the fifth sub-pixelsadjacent to the one fifth sub-pixel are commonly formed.
 5. The OLEDpanel of claim 1, further comprising: a pixel circuit providing adriving current commonly to adjacent fifth sub-pixels of the pluralityof the fifth sub-pixels.
 6. The OLED panel of claim 5, wherein the pixelcircuit is disposed in the first region.
 7. The OLED panel of claim 1,further comprising: an organic light emitting layer disposed in thetransmission portion.
 8. The OLED panel of claim 1, further comprising:a light shielding member disposed between the first sub-pixel, thesecond sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, the fourth sub-pixel, and thetransmission portion.
 9. The OLED panel of claim 1, further comprising:an insulation layer disposed in the first and second regions anddefining an opening that overlaps the transmission portion.